Tigers v Storm preview

Wests Tigers v Melbourne Storm
Leichhardt Oval - Friday 7:45pm

Last-placed Tigers take on under the radar Storm.

While the final scoreline may have suggested yet another poor performance from the Tigers, Jason Taylor's troops showed signs of improvement against one of the NRL heavyweights. Coming up against a resurgent Melbourne side, the Tigers have mixed news regarding the makeup of their squad. Captain Robbie Farah will play his first game in a month after recovering from a hand injury, however form players Chris Lawrence (ankle) and Martin Taupau (suspension) will be missing. Currently sitting in last-place, the Tigers will be hoping to turn around a dreadful record at Leichardt Oval; despite the myth surrounding the immense home-ground advantage, the Tigers have managed just one win in their last seven appearances.

Having lost fullback Billy Slater for the season many expected the Storm to fall by the wayside as they did last season, but in their past two matches Craig Bellamy has proven his side is not done yet. Able to retain the same 17-man squad from those wins, Melbourne will feel confident in their ability to record another win against a struggling side to give themselves a chance of securing an unlikely top four finish. Jesse Bromwich has been named, however he will need to successfully overturn a biting charge at the judiciary, which if found guilty will end his season. Mahe Fonua will play his 50th game after becoming the first Victorian player to debut for Melbourne in 2012.

Last meeting: Round 21 2014 - Wests Tigers 6 Melbourne Storm 28

Who to watch: In a disappointing season for the Tigers, Kevin Naiqama has been a shining light. Featuring in every match this season after struggling to cement a starting position at Newcastle and Penrith, the Fijian international has averaged over 100 metres per game and scored 7 tries. Moving to the centres, Naiqama will be hoping to use his blinding speed against former Tiger Marika Koroibete in a match-up worth the price of admission alone.

After successfully making his return to the NRL after spending the past two seasons on the sidelines, Matt Duffie will be keen to reassert himself on the flank for the Storm. Having suffered a string of knee and shoulder injuries, the one-time Kiwi international will know this may be his last chance to play regular first grade; a noted try-scorer, Duffie will be hoping the fragile Tigers defence allows him to cross for his first try since Round 4, 2013.

The favourite: No surprise to see the Storm favoured to pull off a win over the Tigers despite the "Leichardt advantage".

My tip: I've been waiting for the Storm to tire out as they did last season, but having seen their recent performances their strong run of form will almost certainly continue on Friday night. Storm by 18.

1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Kevin Naiqama 4. Tim Simona 5. Pat Richards 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Robbie Farah 10. Keith Galloway 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Dene Halatau 13. Sauaso Sue
Interchange: 14. Kyle Lovett 15. Jack Buchanan 16. Ava Seumanufagai 17. Brenden Santi 18. Manaia Cherrington

1. Cameron Munster 2. Marika Koroibete 3. Will Chambers 4. Tohu Harris 5. Matt Duffie 6. Blake Green 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Tim Glasby 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Ryan Hinchcliffe
Interchange: 14. Dale Finucane 15. Mahe Fonua 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Christian Welch

Referees: Adam Devcich, Chris Sutton; Sideline Officials: Ricky MacFarlane, Kasey Badger; Video Referees: Jared Maxwell, Luke Patten;

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